Whilst our walking groups were out enjoying the delights of Scafell Pike, I was joined by David who was keen to progress his trad climbing skills.The main brief for the day was placing gear, lots of gear. We did just that and a wide variety of it too. We also managed to fit in 5 pitches of actual climbing and a fair amount of scrambling.

As David already had an understanding of how to place trad gear, we were able to cover lots over the course of a day. Once plenty gear had been placed we looked at equalising the various pieces to create solid belay anchors. We then manipulated these into top rope and bottom rope set ups whilst discussing the pros and cons of each system.

An abseil descent was included later in the day and we used the 'stacked abseil' set up. We discussed the pros and cons of abseiling and of using the 'stacked' system.

All in all lots covered and before we knew it it was time to go home!

If considering a climbing course, please get in touch to discuss your requirements. We're local, passionate about climbing, and climb whenever we can and that usually means 100's of days every year. We know the crags of the Lake District very well so are well placed to find the ideal venue for you.

Mikka about to tackle the steep section of 'Slab Climb' at Castle Rock

The Lake District, like much of the UK has been enjoying some amazing early season sunshine and warmth over the Easter break. This has brought out lots of people, all enjoying the splendid scenery and environment of the Lake District, always great to see.

It's been a very busy time for us too, no doubt partly helped by the great weather.

For the last 4 days we've been showing Mikka (originally from Finland but now residing in London) some of the brilliant climbing the Lake District has to offer. Having already climbed in Snowdonia, the Southwest of England, and Southern Spain, oh and the Alps, the Lakes had it's work cut out.

Our brief was to give lots of mileage on rock.

We started at Raven crag in Langdale, climbing: Evening Wall; Original Route; and Revelation.For day 2 Sam took Mikka to climb the Borrowdale classic 'Troutdale Pinnacle' and they finished with Brown Slabs Arete at Shepherds crag.Day 3 we headed for the Duddon valley and Wallowbarrow crag. Climbing Wall & Corner; Trinity Slabs; and Thomas.Day 4 and our final day with Mikka was to be shorter as a train needed to be met for the return journey to London. Castle Rock provided the easy access we needed. We climbed Gangway; Slab climb; Yew tree climb; and Via Media.

Somewhere around 32 pitches of climbing over 3 and a half days, mostly at 'Severe' grade. I think it's fair to say we gave Mikka the mileage he was looking for.

​If you're looking for something similar, please get in touch and let's make a plan.

When the sun shines, there really isn't anywhere better to be than right here in the Lake District. And preferably on a crag.

Recent days in the Lake District (and many parts of the UK) have seen an early burst of summer. We hope this is a taste of things to come this year. Kerry joined us for a couple of days to make the most of this amazing weather and we spent two productive days together.

Day one at the super reliable Wallowbarrow crag in the Duddon valley. Here after spending some time placing gear at the base of the crag and constructing belays, Kerry set off leading Trinity Slabs (VD). Placing lots of protection and building 'bomber' belays was time very well spent and began the process of cementing this good practice for Kerry. We discussed various ways to construct belays and the pros & cons of using either rope or slings for this.After lunch we moved on to Wall & Corner (VD), another 4 pitch route. More of the same, with lots of gear placed and numerous 3 placement belays made, ace. Sitting at the top of this crag is always a wonderful experience, such an amazing view of patchwork walls and greenery over the long, wooded valley, beautiful.

Day two saw us stay a little closer to Ambleside. Raven crag lies behind the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and has very easy access. This was our objective today, and Kerry had unfinished business here so first port of call 'Original Route' (S) to get that in the bag. Before setting off we re-capped belay construction skills and discussed the route in detail. Kerry laced the first couple of pitches with gear and made some excellent belays (which is surprisingly difficult on this route). The upper pitches went well too, with yet more 3 placement belays, good effort.After a lunch break in the warm sunshine, we moved on to Evening Wall (S) to maximise our tanning opportunities! Kerry led this in 3 pitches, running out the middle pitch a little more than she may have wanted, but a great lead all the same. This route has potential for some quite innovative protection, so is a really useful inclusion in any trad climbing course. Topping out in the late afternoon sun made it all the harder to think about wrapping up for the day. Raven crag during a sunny afternoon takes some beating.

2 days and 16 pitches of leading for Kerry. A good kick-starter for the trad season ahead. ​Mark